Disclaimer: The document does not represent a formal draft Commission proposal which may differ from the elements presented.

Transcription

1 EUROPEAN COMMISSION Directorate General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs Consumer, Environment and Health Technologies REACH Chemicals Directorate General for Environment Green Economy Chemicals Brussels, 10 March 2017 CASG Nano/07/ th Meeting of the REACH Competent Authorities Sub-Group on Nanomaterials March 2017 GROW MTGROOM M.AYRAL, Avenue d Auderghem 45, 1040 Bruxelles Concerns: Revision of REACH Annexes for substances with nanoforms Elements under consideration Item: 8 Action requested: For discussion Disclaimer: The document does not represent a formal draft Commission proposal which may differ from the elements presented. The group is invited to take note of this document in light of the request by the REACH committee to support its deliberation of the forthcoming Commission proposal. Any further inquiries should be sent to andrej.kobe@ec.europa.eu, maila.puolamaa@ec.europa.eu. EN EN

2 EUROPEAN COMMISSION ENVIRONMENT DIRECTORATE-GENERAL Green Economy Chemicals ENTERPRISE AND INDUSTRY DIRECTORATE-GENERAL Resources Based, Manufacturing and Consumer Goods Industries REACH Brussels, 10 March 2017 REACH Committee Meeting March 16-17, 2017 Centre A. Borschette, Room, Rue Froissart 36 Brussels, Belgium Concerns: Revision of REACH Annexes for substances with nanoforms Elements under consideration Agenda Point: Action Requested: For information/discussion Disclaimer: The document does not represent a formal draft Commission proposal which may differ from the elements presented. The REACH committee is invited to take note of this document. The text in black represents the present REACH text, while the text in blue are represent additions/modifications. Any further inquiries should be sent to andrej.kobe@ec.europa.eu, maila.puolamaa@ec.europa.eu. EN 3 EN

3 ANNEX I (REACH Annex I) Subsection 0.1. shall be replaced by the following: 0.1. The purpose of this Annex is to set out how manufacturers and importers are to assess and document that the risks arising from the substance they manufacture or import are adequately controlled during manufacture and their own use(s) and that others further down the supply chain can adequately control the risks. The chemical safety report shall also describe whether and which different nanoforms of substances are manufactured and imported, including an adequate justification for each information requirement describing when and how information on one form is used to demonstrate safety of other forms. The requirements specific to nanoforms of a substance in this Annex apply without prejudice to requirements applicable to other forms of that substance. This Annex shall also apply adapted as necessary to producers and importers of articles required to make a chemical safety assessment as part of a registration." Subsection 0.3. shall be replaced by the following: 0.3. The chemical safety assessment of a manufacturer shall address the manufacture of a substance and all the identified uses. The chemical safety assessment of an importer shall address all identified uses. The chemical safety assessment shall consider the use of the substance on its own (including any major impurities and additives), in a mixture and in an article, as defined by the identified uses. The assessment shall consider all stages of the life-cycle of the substance resulting from the manufacture and identified uses. The assessment shall address nanoforms that are covered by the registration. The justifications and conclusions drawn from the assessment shall be relevant to these nanoforms. The chemical safety assessment shall be based on a comparison of the potential adverse effects of a substance with the known or reasonably foreseeable exposure of man and/or the environment to that substance taking into account implemented and recommended risk management measures and operational conditions. Subsection 0.4. shall be replaced by the following: 0.4. Substances whose physicochemical, toxicological and ecotoxicological properties are likely to be similar or follow a regular pattern as a result of structural similarity may be considered as a group, or category of substances. If the manufacturer or importer considers that the chemical safety assessment carried out for one substance is sufficient to assess and document that the risks arising from another substance or from a group or category of substances are adequately controlled then he can use that chemical safety assessment for the other substance or group or category of substances. The manufacturer or importer shall provide a justification for this. If any of the substances exists in one or more nanoforms and data from one form are used in demonstration of the safe use of other forms, in accordance with the general rules set out in Annex XI, a scientific justification shall be given on how, applying the rules for grouping and read-across, the data from a specific test or other information (e.g. methods, results or conclusions) can be used for the other forms of the substance. Similar considerations apply to exposure scenarios and risk management measures. The last paragraph in subsection 0.5. shall be replaced by the following: If the manufacturer or importer considers that further information is necessary for producing his chemical safety report and that this information can only be obtained EN 4 EN

4 by performing tests in accordance with Annex IX or X, he shall submit a proposal for a testing strategy, explaining why he considers that additional information is necessary and record this in the chemical safety report under the appropriate heading. Where considered necessary, the proposal for a testing strategy may concern several studies addressing respectively different forms of the same substance for the same information requirement. While waiting for results of further testing, he shall record in his chemical safety report, and include in the exposure scenario developed, the interim risk management measures that he has put in place and those he recommends to downstream users intended to manage the risks being explored. The exposure scenarios and interim risk management measures recommended shall address nanoforms that are covered by the registration. Point shall be replaced by the following: Where as a result of steps 1 to 4 the manufacturer or importer concludes that the substance or, when applicable, nanoforms thereof fulfils the criteria for any of the following hazard classes or categories set out in Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 or is assessed to be a PBT or vpvb, the chemical safety assessment shall also include steps 5 and 6 in accordance with Sections 5 and 6 of this Annex: (a) hazard classes 2.1 to 2.4, 2.6 and 2.7, 2.8 types A and B, 2.9, 2.10, 2.12, 2.13 categories 1 and 2, 2.14 categories 1 and 2, and 2.15 types A to F; (b) hazard classes 3.1 to 3.6, 3.7 adverse effects on sexual function and fertility or on development, 3.8 effects other than narcotic effects, 3.9, and 3.10; (c) hazard class 4.1; (d) hazard class 5.1. After subsection the following subsection 0.11.bis shall be added: 0.11.bis When nanoforms are covered by the chemical safety assessment, an appropriate metric for the assessment and presentation of the results in steps 1-6 of the chemical safety assessment under and shall be considered, with the justification included in the chemical safety report and summarised in the safety data sheet. A multiple metric presentation, including mass metric information, is preferable. When possible, a method for reciprocal conversion shall be indicated. The following sentence shall be added after the first line of section 1.0.3: The assessment shall address nanoforms that are covered by the registration. The second paragraph of point shall be replaced by the following: The assessment should always include a statement as to whether the substance or, when applicable, nanoforms thereof fulfils or does not fulfil the criteria given in Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 for classification in the hazard class carcinogenicity category 1A or 1B, in the hazard class germ cell mutagenicity category 1A or 1B or in the hazard class reproductive toxicity category 1A or 1B. Point shall be replaced by the following: If the information is inadequate to decide whether a substance or, when applicable, nanoforms thereof should be classified for a particular hazard class or category, the registrants shall indicate and justify the action or decision he has taken as a result. EN 5 EN

5 The second paragraph of subsection 2.2. shall be replaced by the following: If the information is inadequate to decide whether a substance or, when applicable, nanoforms thereof should be classified for a particular hazard class or category, the registrant shall indicate and justify the action or decision he has taken as a result. The following sentence shall be added at the end of point : The assessment shall address nanoforms when they are covered by the registration. Point shall be replaced by the following: The appropriate classification developed in accordance with the criteria in Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 shall be presented and justified. Any M-factor resulting from the application of Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 shall be presented and, if it is not included in Part 3 of Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, justified. The presentation and justification shall be applied to nanoforms covered by the registration. Point shall be replaced by the following: If the information is inadequate to decide whether a substance or, when applicable, nanoforms thereof should be classified for a particular hazard class or category, the registrant shall indicate and justify the action or decision he has taken as a result. Point shall be replaced by the following: The PBT and vpvb assessment shall comprise the following two steps, which shall be clearly identified as such in Part B, Section 8 of the Chemical Safety report. The assessment shall address nanoforms when they are covered by the registration: Step 1 Step 2 : Comparison with the Criteria. : Emission characterisation. The assessment shall also be summarised in the Safety Data Sheet under heading 12. EN 6 EN

6 Subsection 4.2. shall be replaced by the following: 4.2. Step 2: Emission Characterisation If the substance fulfils the criteria or it is considered as if it is a PBT or vpvb in the registration dossier an emission characterisation shall be conducted comprising the relevant parts of the exposure assessment as described in Section 5. In particular it shall contain an estimation of the amounts of the substance released to the different environmental compartments during all activities carried out by the manufacturer or importer and all identified uses, and an identification of the likely routes by which humans and the environment are exposed to the substance. The estimation shall address nanoforms that are covered by the registration. The first paragraph of subsection 5.0. shall be replaced by the following: The objective of the exposure assessment shall be to make the quantitative and qualitative estimate of the dose/concentration of the substance to which humans and the environment are or may be exposed. The assessment shall consider all stages of the life-cycle of the substance resulting from the manufacture and identified uses and shall cover any exposures that may relate to the hazards identified in Sections 1 to 4. The assessment shall address nanoforms that are covered by the registration. The exposure assessment shall entail the following two steps, which shall be clearly identified as such in the Chemical Safety Report: The following sentence shall be added at the end of point : When nanoforms are covered by the registration, the emission estimation for these shall, where relevant, take account of situations when the conditions outlined in Annex XI section 3.2 point (c) are fulfilled. Point shall be replaced by the following: A characterisation of possible degradation, transformation, reaction processes, and an estimation of environmental distribution and fate shall be performed. When nanoforms are covered by the registration, a characterisation of particle aggregation, agglomeration and particle surface chemistry changes shall be included. EN 7 EN

7 ANNEX II (REACH Annex III) CRITERIA FOR SUBSTANCES REGISTERED IN QUANTITIES BETWEEN 1 AND 10 TONNES Criteria for substances and, when applicable, for nanoforms thereof, registered between 1 and 10 tonnes, with reference to Article 12(1)(a) and (b): (a) substances for which it is predicted (i.e. by the application of (Q)SARs or other evidence) that they are likely to meet the criteria for category 1A or 1B classification in the hazard classes carcinogenicity, germ cell mutagenicity or reproductive toxicity or the criteria in Annex XIII; (b) substances: (i) with dispersive or diffuse use(s) particularly where such substances are used in consumer mixtures or incorporated into consumer articles; and (ii) for which it is predicted (i.e. by application of (Q)SARs or other evidence) that they are likely to meet the classification criteria for any health or environmental hazard classes or differentiations under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 or for substances with nanoforms, unless those nanoforms are soluble in biological and environmental media. EN 8 EN

8 ANNEX III (REACH Annex VI) The introductory text under the subtitle 'Guidance note on fulfilling the requirements of annexes VI to XI' shall be replaced by the following: Annexes VI to XI specify the information that shall be submitted for registration and evaluation purposes according to Articles 10, 12, 13, 40, 41 and 46. For the lowest tonnage level, the standard requirements are in Annex VII, and every time a new tonnage level is reached, the requirements of the corresponding Annex have to be added. For each registration the precise information requirements will differ, according to tonnage, use, and exposure. The Annexes shall thus be considered as a whole, and in conjunction with the overall requirements of registration, evaluation and the duty of care. A substance is defined in accordance with Article 3(1) and identified in accordance with section 2 in this Annex. It can be mono-constituent, multi-constituent or UVCB (Unknown or Variable composition, Complex reaction products or Biological materials). A substance is always manufactured or imported in at least one form. A substance can also occur in more than one form. Where a substance being registered is also manufactured or imported in nanoform certain specific information items have to be provided. Nanoforms shall be characterised as provided in this Annex. Furthermore, the registrant of a substance with nanoforms shall justify why the information provided in the joint registration is relevant to cover the information requirements for the registered substances with nanoforms. The information relating to these specific properties can also be submitted separately by individual registrants, if they consider it justified in accordance with Article 11(3). More than one dataset may be required for one or more information requirements whenever there are significant differences in the properties relevant for the hazard, exposure and risk assessment and management for nanoforms of a substance. The information shall be reported in such a manner that it is clear what information in the joint submission pertains to which nanoform or set of nanoforms of the substance. The technically and scientifically justified methodologies set out in Annex XI.1.5 shall be used within a registration dossier when two or more forms of a substance are 'grouped' for the purposes of one, more or possibly all the information requirements. EN 9 EN

9 Guidance note on nanoforms: In accordance with the Commission Recommendation of 18 October 2011 on the definition of nanomaterial 1, a form of a natural or manufactured substance containing particles, in an unbound state or as an aggregate or as an agglomerate and where, for 50 % or more of the particles in the number size distribution, one or more external dimensions is in the size range 1 nm-100 nm, including also by derogation, fullerenes, graphene flakes and single wall carbon nanotubes with one or more external dimensions below 1 nm, is a nanoform of a substance. A substance may have one or more different nanoforms. For this purpose, particle means a minute piece of matter with defined physical boundaries; agglomerate means a collection of weakly bound particles or aggregates where the resulting external surface area is similar to the sum of the surface areas of the individual components and aggregate means a particle comprising of strongly bound or fused particles 2. The requirements specific to nanoforms apply without prejudice to requirements applicable to other forms of a substance. The term nanoform, when it is referred to in the other Annexes, shall relate to an individual nanoform or a set of nanoforms when one has been defined in accordance with section 2.4 below. Step 1 shall be replaced by the following: STEP 1 GATHER AND SHARE EXISTING INFORMATION The registrant should gather all existing available test data on the substance to be registered, this would include a literature search for relevant information on the substance. Wherever practicable, registrations should be submitted jointly, in accordance with Articles 11 or 19. This will enable test data to be shared, thereby avoiding unnecessary testing and reducing costs. The registrant should also collect all other available and relevant information on the substance including on nanoforms of the substance when they are covered by the registration, regardless whether testing for a given endpoint is required or not at the specific tonnage level. This should include information from alternative sources (e.g. from (Q)SARs, read-across from other substances, in vivo and in vitro testing, epidemiological data) which may assist in identifying the presence or absence of hazardous properties of the substance and which can in certain cases replace the results of animal tests. In addition, information on exposure, use and risk management measures in accordance with article 10 and this Annex should be collected. Considering all this information together, the registrant will be able to determine the need to generate further information. Step 3 shall be replaced by the following: STEP 3 IDENTIFY INFORMATION GAPS The registrant shall then compare the information needs for the substance with the information already available and the extent to which currently available information 2 OJ L275, , p.38. EN 10 EN

10 can be applied to nanoforms covered by the registration and identify where there are gaps. It is important at this stage to ensure that the available data is relevant and has sufficient quality to fulfil the requirements. Step 4 shall be replaced by the following: STEP 4 GENERATE NEW DATA/PROPOSE TESTING STRATEGY In some cases it will not be necessary to generate new data. However, where there is an information gap that needs to be filled, new data shall be generated (Annexes VII and VIII), or a testing strategy shall be proposed (Annexes IX and X), depending on the tonnage. New tests on vertebrates shall only be conducted or proposed as a last resort when all other data sources have been exhausted. The above approach shall also apply if there is a gap of available information for one or more nanoforms of the substance included in the jointly submitted registration dossier. In some cases, the rules set out in Annexes VII to XI may require certain tests to be undertaken earlier than or in addition to the standard requirements. The introductory text in Section 2 shall be replaced by the following: For each substance, the information given in this section shall be sufficient to enable each substance to be identified and the different nanoforms to be characterised. If it is not technically possible or if it does not appear scientifically necessary to give information on one or more of the items below, the reasons shall be clearly stated. Subsection 2.3. shall be replaced by the following: 2.3. Composition of each substance. Where a registration covers one or more nanoforms, these nanoforms shall be characterized pursuant to section 2.4 of this Annex Degree of purity (%) Nature of impurities, including isomers and by-products Percentage of (significant) main impurities Nature and order of magnitude ( ppm, %) of any additives (e.g. stabilising agents or inhibitors) Spectral data (ultra-violet, infra-red, nuclear magnetic resonance or mass spectrum) High-pressure liquid chromatogram, gas chromatogram Description of the analytical methods or the appropriate bibliographical references for the identification of the substance and, where appropriate, for the identification of impurities and additives. This information shall be sufficient to allow the methods to be reproduced Characterisation of nanoforms of a substance: For any of the characteristics, the information provided may be applicable to individual nanoforms or sets of similar nanoforms provided that the boundaries of the sets are clearly specified. A justification shall be provided to demonstrate why the sets are appropriate for the materials that are manufactured and placed on the market. EN 11 EN

11 The information in points shall be clearly assigned to the different nanoforms or sets of similar nanoforms identified in point Names or other identifiers of the nanoforms or sets of similar nanoforms of the substance Particle number size distribution with indication of the number fraction of constituent particles in the size range 1 nm 100 nm Description of surface functionalization or treatment and identification of each agent including IUPAC name and CAS or EC number Shape, aspect ratio and other morphological characterisation; information on assembly structure including e.g. shell like structures or hollow structures, if appropriate Surface area (specific surface area by volume and/or specific surface area by mass) Description of the analytical methods or the appropriate bibliographical references for the identification of the information elements in this sub-section. This information shall be sufficient to allow the methods to be reproduced. In section 3, the following introductory text shall be added after the title 'INFORMATION ON MANUFACTURE AND USE(S) OF THE SUBSTANCE(S)': Where a substance being registered is manufactured or imported in one or several nanoforms, the information on manufacture and use under shall include separate information on the different nanoforms or sets of similar nanoforms as characterised in subsection 2.4. In section 5, the introductory text shall be replaced by the following: This information shall be consistent with that in the Safety Data Sheet where such a Safety Data Sheet is required according to Article 31. Where a substance being registered is also manufactured or imported in one or several nanoforms, the information pursuant to this Section shall address the different nanoforms or sets of similar nanoforms as characterised in subsection 2.4 where relevant. In section 6, the following introductory text shall be added after the title 'INFORMATION ON EXPOSURE FOR SUBSTANCES REGISTERED IN QUANTITIES BETWEEN 1 AND 10 TONNES PER YEAR PER MANUFACTURER OR IMPORTER': Where a substance being registered is manufactured or imported in one or several nanoforms, the information pursuant to this Section shall address the different nanoforms or sets of similar nanoforms as characterised in subsection 2.4 separately. EN 12 EN

12 ANNEX IV (REACH Annex VII) In the introductory text, the following text shall be added after the third paragraph: Without prejudice to the information submitted for other forms, any relevant physicochemical, toxicological and ecotoxicological information shall include characterisation of the nanoform tested and test conditions. Where QSARs are used or evidence is obtained by means other than testing, a description shall be provided of the range of material characteristics/properties to which the evidence can be applied. Subsection 7.7 shall be replaced by the following: 7.7. Water solubility 7.7. The study does not need to be conducted if: the substance is hydrolytically unstable at ph 4, 7 and 9 (half-life less than 12 hours), or the substance is readily oxidisable in water. If the substance appears insoluble in water, a limit test up to the detection limit of the analytical method shall be performed. For nanoforms the potential confounding effect of dispersion shall be assessed when conducting the study. Subsection 7.8 shall be replaced by the following: 7.8. Partition coefficient n- octanol/water 7.8. The study does not need to be conducted if the substance is inorganic. If the test cannot be performed (e.g. the substance decomposes, has a high surface activity, reacts violently during the performance of the test or does not dissolve in water or in octanol, or it is not possible to obtain a sufficiently pure substance), a calculated value for log P as well as details of the calculation method shall be provided.] For nanoforms the potential confounding effect of dispersion in octanol and water shall be assessed. After subsection 7.14., the following 3 shall be added: 7.14 bis Dustiness For nanoforms 7.14 bis. The study does not need to be conducted if exposure to granular form of the substance during its life-cycle can be excluded. Point shall be replaced by the following: In vitro gene mutation study in bacteria The study does not need to be conducted if it is not appropriate (e.g. some nanoforms). In this case other studies involving one or more in vitro mutagenicity study(ies) in mammalian cells (Annex VIII, sections and or other internationally recognised methods) shall be provided. 3 Recital: ECHA should update or prepare guidance on what should be included as information pursuant to section 7.14 for nanomaterials taking into account the recommendations from the OECD and the various needs depending on type of nanoform being registered. EN 13 EN

13 Point shall be replaced by the following: By oral route The study need not be conducted Point shall be replaced by the following: when a study on acute toxicity by the inhalation route (8.5.2) is available. For nanoforms, if any of the routes in Annex VIII or is the more appropriate route of exposure that study may be conducted instead Short-term toxicity testing on invertebrates (preferred species Daphnia) The registrant may consider long-term toxicity testing instead of short-term The study does not need to be conducted if: - there are mitigating factors indicating that aquatic toxicity is unlikely to occur for instance if the substance is highly insoluble in water or the substance is unlikely to cross biological membranes. Moreover, for nanoforms high insolubility in water alone cannot serve as justification for waiving the test. - a long-term aquatic toxicity study on invertebrates is available, or - adequate information for environmental classification and labelling is available. The long-term aquatic toxicity study on Daphnia (Annex IX, section ) shall be considered if the substance is poorly water soluble. Point shall be replaced by the following: Growth inhibition study aquatic plants (algae preferred) The study does not need to be conducted if there are mitigating factors indicating that aquatic toxicity is unlikely to occur for instance if the substance is highly insoluble in water or the substance is unlikely to cross biological membranes. Moreover, for nanoforms high insolubility in water alone cannot serve as justification for waiving the test. EN 14 EN

14 ANNEX V (REACH Annex VIII) In the introductory text, the following text shall be added after the first paragraph: Without prejudice to the information submitted for other forms, any relevant physicochemical, toxicological and ecotoxicological information shall include characterisation of the nanoform tested and test conditions. Where QSARs are used or evidence is obtained by means other than testing, a description shall be provided of the range of material characteristics/properties to which the evidence can be applied. Subsection 8.5. shall be replaced by the following: 8.5. Acute toxicity 8.5. The study/ies do(es) not generally need to be conducted if: Point shall be replaced by the following: - the substance is classified as corrosive to the skin. In addition to the oral route (8.5.1.) or to the more appropriate route as indicated in Annex VII for nanoforms, for substances other than gases, the information mentioned under to shall be provided for at least one other route. The choice for the second route will depend on the nature of the substance and the likely route of human exposure. If there is only one route of exposure, information for only that route need be provided Short-term repeated dose toxicity study (28 days), one species, male and female, most appropriate route of administration, having regard to the likely route of human exposure The short-term toxicity study (28 days) does not need to be conducted if: - a reliable sub-chronic (90 days) or chronic toxicity study is available, provided that an appropriate species, dosage, solvent and route of administration were used, or - where a substance undergoes immediate disintegration and there are sufficient data on the cleavage products, or - relevant human exposure can be excluded in accordance with Annex XI Section 3. The appropriate route shall be chosen on the following basis: Testing by the dermal route is appropriate if: inhalation of the substance is unlikely; and skin contact in production and/or use is likely; and the physicochemical and toxicological properties suggest potential for a significant rate of absorption through the skin. Testing by the inhalation route is appropriate if exposure of humans via inhalation is likely taking into account the vapour pressure of the substance and/or the possibility of exposure to aerosols, particles or droplets of an inhalable size. For nanoforms a histopathological determination of brain and lung EN 15 EN

15 tissues, as well as an examination of relevant parameters in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, kinetics, where relevant, and recovery period shall be considered when conducting the test, taking into account the relevant technical guidance at the international level. The sub-chronic toxicity study (90 days) (Annex IX, Section 8.6.2) shall be proposed by the registrant if: the frequency and duration of human exposure indicates that a longer term study is appropriate; and one of the following conditions is met: - other available data indicate that the substance may have a dangerous property that cannot be detected in a short-term toxicity study, or - appropriately designed toxicokinetic studies reveal accumulation of the substance or its metabolites in certain tissues or organs which would possibly remain undetected in a short-term toxicity study but which are liable to result in adverse effects after prolonged exposure. Further studies shall be proposed by the registrant or may be required by the Agency in accordance with Article 40 or 41 in case of: - failure to identify a NOAEL in the 28 or the 90 days study, unless the reason for the failure to identify a NOAEL is absence of adverse toxic effects, or - toxicity of particular concern (e.g. serious/severe effects), or indications of an effect for which the available evidence is inadequate for toxicological and/or risk characterisation. In such cases it may also be more appropriate to perform specific toxicological studies that are designed to investigate these effects (e.g. immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, indirect genotoxicity as a result of persistent inflammation), or - the route of exposure used in the initial repeated dose study was inappropriate in relation to the expected route of human exposure and route-to-route extrapolation cannot be made, or - particular concern regarding exposure (e.g. use in consumer products leading to exposure levels which are close to the dose levels at which toxicity to humans may be expected), or - effects shown in substances with a clear relationship in molecular structure with the substance being studied, were not detected in the 28 or the 90 days study. EN 16 EN

16 Subsection 8.8. shall be replaced by the following: 8.8. Toxicokinetics Assessment of the toxicokinetic behaviour of the substance to the extent that can be derived from the relevant available information. For nanoforms a toxicokinetics study shall be proposed or may be required by the Agency in accordance with Article 40 or 41 in case such an assessment cannot be performed on the basis of the relevant available information, including from the study conducted in accordance with The choice of the study will depend on the remaining information gaps and the results of the chemical safety assessment Point shall be replaced by the following: Short-term toxicity testing on fish: the registrant may consider longterm toxicity testing instead of short-term The study does not need to be conducted if: - there are mitigating factors indicating that aquatic toxicity is unlikely to occur, for instance the substance is highly insoluble in water or the substance is unlikely to cross biological membranes, or - a long-term aquatic toxicity study on fish is available. For nanoforms high insolubility in water alone cannot serve as an indication that aquatic toxicity is unlikely to occur. Long-term aquatic toxicity testing as described in Annex IX shall be considered if the chemical safety assessment according to Annex I indicates the need to investigate further effects on aquatic organisms. The choice of the appropriate test(s) will depend on the results of the chemical safety assessment. The long-term aquatic toxicity study on fish (Annex IX, Section 9.1.6) shall be considered if the substance is poorly water soluble. Point shall be replaced by the following: Activated sludge respiration inhibition testing The study does not need to be conducted if: - there is no emission to a sewage treatment plant, or - there are mitigating factors indicating that microbial toxicity is unlikely to occur, for instance the substance is highly insoluble in water, or - the substance is found to be readily biodegradable and the applied test concentrations are in the range of concentrations that can be expected in the influent of a sewage treatment plant. For nanoforms high insolubility in water alone cannot serve as an indication that microbial toxicity is unlikely to occur. The study may be replaced by a nitrification inhibition test if available data show that the substance is likely to be an inhibitor of EN 17 EN

17 microbial growth or function, in particular nitrifying bacteria. Subsection 9.2. shall be replaced by the following: 9.2. Degradation 9.2. Further degradation testing shall be considered if the chemical safety assessment according to Annex I indicates the need to investigate further the degradation of the substance. For nanoforms such test(s) shall consider morphological transformation (e.g. loss of coating), chemical transformation (e.g. oxidation, reduction) and other abiotic degradation (e.g. photolysis), assessment of irreversible changes in size, shape and chemical composition.the choice of the appropriate test(s) will depend on the results of the chemical safety assessment. Section shall be replaced by the following: Abiotic Hydrolysis as a function of ph. Point shall be replaced by the following: Adsorption/desorption screening The study does not need to be conducted if: - the substance is readily biodegradable, or - the substance is highly insoluble in water. For nanoforms high insolubility in water alone cannot serve as a justification for waiving The study does not need to be conducted if: - based on the physicochemical properties the substance can be expected to have a low potential for adsorption (e.g. the substance has a low octanol-water partition coefficient), or - the substance and its relevant degradation products decompose rapidly. For nanoforms, the Octanol-Water Partition Coefficient (Kow) or Soil Adsorption Coefficient (Koc/Kd) parameters shall only be used in the waiving with an adequate justification of their relevance for the adsorption potential of the nanoforms covered. EN 18 EN

18 ANNEX VI (REACH Annex IX) In the introductory text, the following text shall be added after the second paragraph: Without prejudice to the information submitted for other forms, any relevant physicochemical, toxicological and ecotoxicological information shall include characterisation of the nanoform tested and test conditions. Where QSARs are used or evidence is obtained by means other than testing, a description shall be provided of the range of material characteristics/properties to which the evidence can be applied. After subsection 7.17, the following shall be added: Further information on physico-chemical properties For nanoforms Further testing for nanoforms covered by the registration shall be considered by the registrant or may be required by the Agency in accordance with Article 41, if there is an indication that specific additional particle properties significantly influence hazard of or exposure to those nanoforms and only if these are relevant in toxicological, ecotoxicological or risk characterisation. Point shall be replaced by the following: Sub-chronic toxicity study (90- day), one species, rodent, male and female, most appropriate route of administration, having regard to the likely route of human exposure The sub-chronic toxicity study (90 days) does not need to be conducted if: a reliable short-term toxicity study (28 days) is available showing severe toxicity effects according to the criteria for classifying the substance as R48, for which the observed NOAEL-28 days, with the application of an appropriate uncertainty factor, allows the extrapolation towards the NOAEL-90 days for the same route of exposure; or a reliable chronic toxicity study is available, provided that an appropriate species and route of administration were used; or a substance undergoes immediate disintegration and there are sufficient data on the cleavage products (both for systemic effects and effects at the site of uptake); or the substance is unreactive, insoluble and not inhalable and there is no evidence of absorption and no evidence of toxicity in a 28-day "limit test", particularly if such a pattern is coupled with limited human exposure. The appropriate route shall be chosen on the following basis: Testing by the dermal route is appropriate if: (1) skin contact in production and/or use is likely; and (2) the physicochemical properties suggest a significant rate of absorption through the skin; and (3) one of the following conditions is met: toxicity is observed in the acute dermal toxicity test at lower EN 19 EN

19 doses than in the oral toxicity test; or systemic effects or other evidence of absorption is observed in skin and/or eye irritation studies; or in vitro tests indicate significant dermal absorption; or significant dermal toxicity or dermal penetration is recognised for structurally-related substances. Testing by the inhalation route is appropriate if: exposure of humans via inhalation is likely taking into account the vapour pressure of the substance and/or the possibility of exposure to aerosols, particles or droplets of an inhalable size. For nanoforms a histopathological determination of brain and lung tissues, as well as an examination of relevant parameters in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, kinetics, where relevant, and recovery period shall be considered when conducting the test, taking into account the relevant technical guidance at the international level. Further studies shall be proposed by the registrant or may be required by the Agency in accordance with Articles 40 or 41 in case of: failure to identify a NOAEL in the 90 days study unless the reason for the failure to identify a NOAEL is absence of adverse toxic effects; or toxicity of particular concern (e.g. serious/severe effects); or indications of an effect for which the available evidence is inadequate for toxicological and/or risk characterisation. In such cases it may also be more appropriate to perform specific toxicological studies that are designed to investigate these effects (e.g. immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, indirect genotoxicity as a result of persistent inflammation), or particular concern regarding exposure (e.g. use in consumer products leading to exposure levels which are close to the dose levels at which toxicity to humans may be expected). Point shall be replaced by the following: Simulation testing on ultimate degradation in surface water The study need not be conducted if : the substances is highly insoluble in water, or the substance is readily biodegradable. For nanoforms high insolubility in water alone cannot serve as a justification for waiving. EN 20 EN

20 Subsection 9.3. shall be replaced by the following: 9.3. Fate and behaviour in the environment Bioaccumulation in aquatic species, preferably fish Further information on adsorption/desorption depending on the results of the study required in Annex VIII The study need not be conducted if: the substance has a low potential for bioaccumulation (for instance a log Kow 3) and/or a low potential to cross biological membranes, or direct and indirect exposure of the aquatic compartment is unlikely. For nanoforms, the Octanol-Water Partition Coefficient (Kow) or Soil Adsorption Coefficient (Koc/Kd) parameters shall not be used without adequate justification for waiving based on the low potential for bioaccumulation or the unlikely direct and indirect exposure of the aquatic compartment The study need not be conducted if: based on the physicochemical properties, can be expected to have a low potential for adsorption, or the substance and its degradation products decompose rapidly. For nanoforms, the physico-chemical properties shall not be used without adequate justification for waiving based on the low potential for adsorption. Subsection 9.4 shall be replaced by the following: 9.4. Effects on terrestrial organisms 9.4. These studies do not need to be conducted if direct and indirect exposure of the soil compartment is unlikely. In the absence of toxicity data for soil organisms, the equilibrium partitioning method may be applied to assess the hazard to soil organisms. If applying the equilibrium partitioning method to nanoforms covered by the registration, this shall be scientifically justified. The choice of the appropriate tests depends on the outcome of the chemical safety assessment. In particular for substances that have a high potential to adsorb to soil (e.g. some nanoforms) or that are very persistent, the registrant shall consider long-term toxicity testing instead of short-term. EN 21 EN

21 ANNEX VII (REACH Annex X) In the introductory text, the following text shall be added after the second paragraph: Without prejudice to the information submitted for other forms, any relevant physicochemical, toxicological and ecotoxicological information shall include characterisation of the nanoform tested and test conditions. Where QSARs are used or evidence is obtained by means other than testing, a description shall be provided of the range of material characteristics/properties to which the evidence can be applied. Point shall be replaced by the following: A long-term repeated toxicity study ( 12 months) may be proposed by the registrant or required by the Agency in accordance with Articles 40 or 41 if the frequency and duration of human exposure indicates that a longer term study is appropriate and one of the following conditions is met: - serious or severe toxicity effects of particular concern were observed in the 28-day or 90-day study for which the available evidence is inadequate for toxicological evaluation or risk characterisation, or - effects shown in substances with a clear relationship in molecular structure with the substance being studied were not detected in the 28-day or 90-day study, or - the substance may have a dangerous property that cannot be detected in a 90-day study. If nanoforms are covered by the registration, physico-chemical characteristics as well as molecular structure shall be taken into consideration when determining if one of the conditions above are met. EN 22 EN

22 ANNEX VIII (REACH Annex XI) In the introductory text, the following text shall be added after the last paragraph: The requirements specific to nanoforms in this Annex are without prejudice to requirements applicable to other forms of a substance. Point shall be replaced by the following: Historical human data Historical human data, such as epidemiological studies on exposed populations, accidental or occupational exposure data and clinical studies, shall be considered. The strength of the data for a specific human health effect depends, among other things, on the type of analysis and on the parameters covered and on the magnitude and specificity of the response and consequently the predictability of the effect. Criteria for assessing the adequacy of the data include: the proper selection and characterisation of the exposed and control groups; adequate characterisation of exposure ; sufficient length of follow-up for disease occurrence; valid method for observing an effect; proper consideration of bias and confounding factors; and a reasonable statistical reliability to justify the conclusion. In all cases adequate and reliable documentation shall be provided. When nanoforms are covered by the registration the above approach shall address the nanoforms separately. Subsection 1.2. shall be replaced by the following: 1.2. Weight of evidence There may be sufficient weight of evidence from several independent sources of information leading to the assumption/conclusion that a substance has or has not a particular dangerous property, while the information from each single source alone is regarded insufficient to support this notion. There may be sufficient weight of evidence from the use of newly developed test methods, not yet included in the test methods referred to in Article 13(3) or from an international test method recognised by the Commission or the Agency as being equivalent, leading to the conclusion that a substance has or has not a particular dangerous property. Where sufficient weight of evidence for the presence or absence of a particular dangerous property is available: further testing on vertebrate animals for that property shall be omitted, further testing not involving vertebrate animals may be omitted. EN 23 EN

23 In all cases adequate and reliable documentation shall be provided. When nanoforms are covered by the registration the above approach shall address the nanoforms separately. Subsection 1.3. shall be replaced by the following: 1.3. Qualitative or Quantitative structure-activity relationship ((Q)SAR) Results obtained from valid qualitative or quantitative structure-activity relationship models ((Q)SARs) may indicate the presence or absence of a certain dangerous property. Results of (Q)SARs may be used instead of testing when the following conditions are met: results are derived from a (Q)SAR model whose scientific validity has been established, the substance falls within the applicability domain of the (Q)SAR model, results are adequate for the purpose of classification and labelling and/or risk assessment, and adequate and reliable documentation of the applied method is provided. The Agency in collaboration with the Commission, Member States and interested parties shall develop and provide guidance in assessing which (Q)SARs will meet these conditions and provide examples. When nanoforms are covered by the registration the above approach shall address the nanoforms separately. The last paragraph in Section 1.4 shall be replaced by the following: Such confirmation may be waived if the following conditions are met: (1) results are derived from an in vitro method whose scientific validity has been established by a validation study, according to internationally agreed validation principles; results are adequate for the purpose of classification and labelling and/or risk assessment; and adequate and reliable documentation of the applied method is provided. When nanoforms are covered by the registration the above approach shall address the nanoforms separately. EN 24 EN

24 The first paragraph in Section 1.5 shall be replaced by the following: Substances whose physicochemical, toxicological and ecotoxicological properties are likely to be similar or follow a regular pattern as a result of structural similarity may be considered as a group, or category of substances. Application of the group concept requires that physicochemical properties, human health effects and environmental effects or environmental fate may be predicted from data for reference substance(s) within the group by interpolation to other substances in the group (readacross approach). This avoids the need to test every substance for every endpoint. The Agency, after consulting with relevant stakeholders and other interested parties, shall issue guidance on technically and scientifically justified methodology for the grouping of substances sufficiently in advance of the first registration deadline for phase-in substances. When nanoforms are covered by the registration the above approach shall address the nanoforms separately. For grouping different nanoforms of the same substance the molecular structural similarities alone cannot serve as a justification. If nanoforms covered by a registration are grouped or placed in a category with other forms, including other nanoforms, of the substance in the same registration the obligations above shall apply in the same manner. EN 25 EN